Ilfracombe’s Junior Park Rangers make the grade

The latest group of school children from Ilfracombe Junior School have made the grade as ‘Junior Park Rangers’, in what is the scheme’s twelfth year.

Yesterday (Tuesday 27 June), 110 children from Year 4 were presented with their certificates for completing the four-week course, based at Bicclescombe Park.

The course, organised by North Devon Council’s Parks team, raises awareness about the importance of parks and how we can help look after them. As well as learning practical skills, such as pond dipping and bird watching, the children are taught about wildlife, biodiversity and the natural environment.

Executive Member for Parks, Leisure and Culture, Councillor Dick Jones, says: “It’s great to see so many young and enthusiastic new park rangers, who I hope will carry the experience and knowledge they have gained during this course, with them into the future. The scheme is just as popular today as it was 12 years ago and it’s clear the children really enjoy themselves. Our parks are so important for local wildlife and the health and well-being of those who use them, so it’s reassuring to know that we have another group of young park rangers who will be keeping a close eye on them.”

Local ward member, Councillor Geoff Fowler, says: “I have been privileged to attend many of these presentations in the past and it never fails to impress me how many of our youngsters want to get involved in the natural environment of the park. It certainly bodes well for the future and I feel assured the park is in safe hands for the next generation.”

Joe Alcock from Ilfracombe Junior School, says: “The Junior Park Rangers course is a great way of educating the children about the importance of looking after the park grounds. It’s also a nice opportunity for the children to explore different parts of the park and find out how they can use them properly.”

If you would like to get involved as a volunteer at Bicclescombe Park, there is a very active user group – contact the council’s Parks team on 01271 388308 for more information.